Identification & Site Information

• Name: Westford
• Former Names: None
• Official Registration Number: 80068
• Date Built and Launched: Built in 1869 by A.A. Turner in Trenton, Michigan
• Measurements: 134 ft (40.8 m) length x 26 ft (7.9 m) beam x 12 ft (3.7 m) depth; Gross Tonnage: 302 tons; Net Tonnage: 224 tons
• Date Lost: May 27, 1904
• Place of Loss: Robbins’ Shoal, near John’s Island, Georgian Bay
• Lake: Lake Huron

Vessel Type

The Westford was a wooden-hulled propeller-driven bulk freighter, often referred to as a “rabbit”—a term used to describe smaller, faster freighters that carried bulk cargoes on the Great Lakes.

Description

Launched in 1869, the Westford was a compact, versatile freighter designed for bulk cargo transportation. Her wooden Hull and moderate size made her well-suited for navigating the often shallow and complex waterways of the Great Lakes. Despite her smaller dimensions compared to larger freighters, she played a vital role in the bulk freight industry during her 35-year career.

History

The Westford operated primarily as a bulk freighter, transporting various commodities across the Great Lakes. Owned by J.J. Boland of Cleveland and under the command of Captain John Griffith, she was a workhorse in the regional shipping industry.

In her final voyage, the Westford had dropped off her tow—two barges—at John’s Island in Georgian Bay to load cargo. While maneuvering light (without cargo), she encountered a storm and ran aground on Robbins’ Shoal. The grounding left her in a precarious position, with her bow elevated four feet above the reef and her Stern suspended over 40 feet (12.2 m) of water.

Efforts to save the vessel were made by the tug Boscobel, but despite attempts to pull her free, the Westford broke into three pieces and sank. The Tug Antic was able to safely remove the crew, and no lives were lost in the incident. Some historical accounts mistakenly reported that the ship burned; however, this has been clarified as an error in documentation.

The Westford had undergone significant repairs in 1880 and 1882, indicating a history of hard service and maintenance before her ultimate loss in 1904.

Final Disposition

The Westford broke into three pieces and sank on Robbins’ Shoal near John’s Island in Georgian Bay, Lake Huron. No salvage or recovery efforts were recorded, and the wreck remains submerged.

Located By & Date Found

Nil return.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No specific navigational warnings or obstructions related to the wreck of the Westford have been issued.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Maritime Database
• Great Lakes Ships
• David Swayze Shipwreck File

Conclusion

The Westford exemplified the rugged, utilitarian bulk freighters of the late 19th century, navigating the challenging conditions of the Great Lakes. Her grounding and subsequent break-up on Robbins’ Shoal in 1904 marked the end of a long and industrious career. Though her loss involved no casualties, the incident highlights the navigational hazards of Georgian Bay and the risks faced by vessels operating in these treacherous waters.

Suggested Keywords: Westford, Lake Huron shipwrecks, Georgian Bay shipwrecks, Robbins’ Shoal, wooden bulk freighters, Great Lakes maritime history, J.J. Boland shipping.

Categories: Shipwrecks of Lake Huron, Wooden Freighters of the Great Lakes, 19th Century Great Lakes Shipping.

Glossary Terms: Bulk Freighter, Rabbit Freighter, Grounding, Robbins’ Shoal, Georgian Bay Navigational Hazards.